Publiée 1 août 2026
Postdoctoral Position in Sociology or Political Science - 18-month fixed-term contract under public law
Institut Mines-Télécom
Nantes, Pays-de-la-Loire 44000, France
CDI
IMT Atlantique is one of France's leading graduate engineering schools and a member of Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT). Through excellence in research, education and innovation, the school addresses major environmental, digital and industrial transitions while training the next generation of responsible engineers.
As part of the European DISCOVER project, which aims to design two robots for the intelligent acquisition and analysis of data on materials from demolition sites with a view to their reuse. From a sociological perspective, we have set two objectives: to analyze how the proposed technologies can be adapted to existing professional practices and to analyze how markets are developing that could accommodate waste-turned-resources. With this in mind, we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in sociology or political science within our Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences (DI2S). To address these issues, we will prioritize a qualitative approach based primarily on literature review, observation, and semi-structured interviews.
In collaboration with Sarah Ghaffari, you will participate in the empirical research (conducting literature reviews, conducting semi-structured interviews, contributing to the analysis of documents, etc.), contribute to the scientific discourse, and disseminate and promote the knowledge and results produced at national and international conferences. You will also contribute to their integration into the MOOCs planned as part of the research project.
You will provide administrative support for project management (coordination) and help organize scientific events.
View the detailed job description
You have knowledge in one or more in one or more of the following fields: sociology of science and technology (STS); sociology of markets; urban policy, public policies addressing environmental performance in the building sector, particularly waste management and circular economy.
We will carefully review applications that demonstrate knowledge of the literature on the circular economy, human-robot interactions, the (de)construction sector, or socio-technical innovation processes.
You are proficient qualitative research methods, including in-depth semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, focus groups) and have experience conducting comparative studies
You have an excellent command of both French (required for qualitative survey conducted in France) and English (working language of the international consortium).
You are self-reliant, organized, have strong writing skills, and demonstrate initiative.
You are capable of working within an interdisciplinary research team (sociology, robotics, computer science, energy, environmental science).
The ideal candidate must hold a Ph.D. in sociology or political science obtained no more than 3 years prior to the start date (October 1, 2026). (Note: If the candidate exceeds the 3-year deadline but has relevant experience, there is the possibility of reclassifying the position as a Research Engineer.)
WHY JOIN IMT ATLANTIQUE?
A research project involving European industrial partners (Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Poland) and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds.
Stimulating innovation ecosystem (startups, students, research, companies)
Welcoming working environment
BENEFITS :
On-site cafeteria
Leisure and sports offers
Public transport subsidies
Sustainable mobility package (for carpooling or cycling)
Family allowance
Wide range of social benefits
Partial teleworking possible
Generous leave package
REMUNERATION :
Indicative salary: €35,800 gross per year, depending on profile and experience (reduced employee social security contributions in the public sector).
CONTACT INFORMATION :
o job content: Sarah Ghaffari - Assistant Professor of Sociology: [email protected]
o administrative/HR aspects: Mélissandre MORVAN - Recruitment Assistant: [email protected]
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Contract Start Date: October 1, 2026
Interviews: September 10-11, 2026
Application materials
• A detailed CV including a list of works and publications.
• A cover letter.
• Thesis and defense reports.
• Two publications representative of the projects conducted
• Applicants are required to submit their application documents (CV, cover letter, letter of recommendation if applicable, and proof of identity) through the RECRUITEE platform (Applications sent by email will not be considered)
Legal Notices :
As part of the European DISCOVER project, which aims to design two robots for the intelligent acquisition and analysis of data on materials from demolition sites with a view to their reuse. From a sociological perspective, we have set two objectives: to analyze how the proposed technologies can be adapted to existing professional practices and to analyze how markets are developing that could accommodate waste-turned-resources. With this in mind, we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in sociology or political science within our Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences (DI2S). To address these issues, we will prioritize a qualitative approach based primarily on literature review, observation, and semi-structured interviews.
In collaboration with Sarah Ghaffari, you will participate in the empirical research (conducting literature reviews, conducting semi-structured interviews, contributing to the analysis of documents, etc.), contribute to the scientific discourse, and disseminate and promote the knowledge and results produced at national and international conferences. You will also contribute to their integration into the MOOCs planned as part of the research project.
You will provide administrative support for project management (coordination) and help organize scientific events.
View the detailed job description
You have knowledge in one or more in one or more of the following fields: sociology of science and technology (STS); sociology of markets; urban policy, public policies addressing environmental performance in the building sector, particularly waste management and circular economy.
We will carefully review applications that demonstrate knowledge of the literature on the circular economy, human-robot interactions, the (de)construction sector, or socio-technical innovation processes.
You are proficient qualitative research methods, including in-depth semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, focus groups) and have experience conducting comparative studies
You have an excellent command of both French (required for qualitative survey conducted in France) and English (working language of the international consortium).
You are self-reliant, organized, have strong writing skills, and demonstrate initiative.
You are capable of working within an interdisciplinary research team (sociology, robotics, computer science, energy, environmental science).
The ideal candidate must hold a Ph.D. in sociology or political science obtained no more than 3 years prior to the start date (October 1, 2026). (Note: If the candidate exceeds the 3-year deadline but has relevant experience, there is the possibility of reclassifying the position as a Research Engineer.)
WHY JOIN IMT ATLANTIQUE?
A research project involving European industrial partners (Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Poland) and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds.
Stimulating innovation ecosystem (startups, students, research, companies)
Welcoming working environment
BENEFITS :
On-site cafeteria
Leisure and sports offers
Public transport subsidies
Sustainable mobility package (for carpooling or cycling)
Family allowance
Wide range of social benefits
Partial teleworking possible
Generous leave package
REMUNERATION :
Indicative salary: €35,800 gross per year, depending on profile and experience (reduced employee social security contributions in the public sector).
CONTACT INFORMATION :
o job content: Sarah Ghaffari - Assistant Professor of Sociology: [email protected]
o administrative/HR aspects: Mélissandre MORVAN - Recruitment Assistant: [email protected]
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Contract Start Date: October 1, 2026
Interviews: September 10-11, 2026
Application materials
• A detailed CV including a list of works and publications.
• A cover letter.
• Thesis and defense reports.
• Two publications representative of the projects conducted
• Applicants are required to submit their application documents (CV, cover letter, letter of recommendation if applicable, and proof of identity) through the RECRUITEE platform (Applications sent by email will not be considered)
Legal Notices :
- Nature and Duration of the Contract: Fixed-term contract (CDD) of 18 months under public law or secondment for civil servants, renewable.
- Job Location: IMT Atlantique, Nantes campus - Nantes : 4 rue Alfred Kastler - La Chantrerie, 44307
- Internal Use Only:
- Job Category: II P
- The positions offered are open to all applicants, with accommodations available upon request for candidates with disabilities.
- This position is open to civil servants and/or contract employees.
- Any application may be subject to an administrative investigation.
